With the solstice past,
it's time to revisit the topic
of Santa as a shaman.
This post was updated with new info + images in 2007.
"Although most people see Christmas as a Christian holiday, most of the symbols and icons we associate with Christmas celebrations are actually derived from the shamanistic traditions of the tribal peoples of pre-Christian Northern Europe.
"The sacred mushroom of these people was the red and white Amanita muscaria mushroom, also known as 'fly agaric.' These mushrooms are now commonly seen in books of fairy tales, and they are usually associated with magic and fairies. This is because they contain potent hallucinogenic compounds and they were used by ancient peoples for insight and transcendental experiences.
"Most of the major elements of the modern Christmas celebration, such as Santa Claus, Christmas trees, magical reindeer and the giving of gifts, are originally based upon the traditions surrounding the harvest and consumption of these most sacred mushrooms.
"Shaman of Siberia and the Russian icon, St. Nicholas, both play parts in the tale of Christmas, providing clues as to where Christmas came from and why there are certain symbols associated with the holiday. It is these types of clues that will help in the deciphering of the symbols. Siberian Shaman used/use (despite governmental oppression) Amanita muscaria as a religious sacrament. It is used for spiritual vision, out-of-body travel into the realms of the spirits, and as a plant-spirit guide in teaching and healing.
"Interesting to note: If you aren't quick enough in the hunt, you will find only the mushroom stubs, the rest greedily gobbled up by the hungry reindeer."
"Although most people see Christmas as a Christian holiday, most of the symbols and icons we associate with Christmas celebrations are actually derived from the shamanistic traditions of the tribal peoples of pre-Christian Northern Europe.
"The sacred mushroom of these people was the red and white Amanita muscaria mushroom, also known as 'fly agaric.' These mushrooms are now commonly seen in books of fairy tales, and they are usually associated with magic and fairies. This is because they contain potent hallucinogenic compounds and they were used by ancient peoples for insight and transcendental experiences.
"Most of the major elements of the modern Christmas celebration, such as Santa Claus, Christmas trees, magical reindeer and the giving of gifts, are originally based upon the traditions surrounding the harvest and consumption of these most sacred mushrooms.
"Shaman of Siberia and the Russian icon, St. Nicholas, both play parts in the tale of Christmas, providing clues as to where Christmas came from and why there are certain symbols associated with the holiday. It is these types of clues that will help in the deciphering of the symbols. Siberian Shaman used/use (despite governmental oppression) Amanita muscaria as a religious sacrament. It is used for spiritual vision, out-of-body travel into the realms of the spirits, and as a plant-spirit guide in teaching and healing.
"Interesting to note: If you aren't quick enough in the hunt, you will find only the mushroom stubs, the rest greedily gobbled up by the hungry reindeer."
With the solstice past,
it's time to revisit the topic
of Santa as a shaman.
mr damon, 23:23
2 Comments:
And a Happy Solstice to you too!
aloha, happy, merry, joyous everything! warm and rainy on the jungle side of the big isle.
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